“to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God” Titus 2:5
Lately I have been thinking about my late mother-in-law – Ella Renetta Kehler. She was a good woman, faithful to her God and to her husband. She and Dad were married for over 60 years. She died at age 83.
For almost 17 years of their marriage, Dad was in a long-term-care hospital. He had a brain tumor and had brain surgery. After the surgery and subsequent brain damage, he was like an infant and needed total care.
During all the years of dad being hospitalized, Mom went to see him six days a week. She only agreed not to go the seventh day because her children insisted she needed a day of rest. She wouldn’t even take a vacation. She loved Dad (not only endured him) and was faithful to him until she died.
She was a model and example of faithfulness.
What are some of the secrets to “sticking” with your man?
- Keeping your wedding vows (love him for better or worse, etc.).
- Trusting in God’s power. Learn about the Holy Spirit as your Helper\
- Total commitment (read Two Keys to a Happy Marriage).
I am in love with my husband and I am in love with God. There have been challenging times during our many years of marriage – we are both very strong and independent. However, shortly after I yielded the control of my life to God, He burned His directive to wives in my mind “Be kind and be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Titus 2:5.
This verse has kept me from listening to the Tempter’s whispers and lies. I no longer entertain thoughts about leaving Marvin. You see, I love and respect God so much that I don’t want anyone to malign or think less of Him because I haven’t kept my vows. God has always helped us to be faithful to each other.
My mother-in-law set an example of ‘sticking with your man’ to all women who knew her.
Father, You formed the family. Thank You that You will also give us everything we need to be faithful to our husbands. You promised that there would never be a temptation without which there would also be a way of escape. You always keep Your promises. Thank You! Amen.
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
FURTHER READING
- Marriage Articles
- Setting a Proper Foundation for Marriage, Family and Life by Ed Becker
- How Can my Spouse and I Get on the Same Page?
- Love for a Lifetime
- Grace to Keep on Yielding – A story of how a couple chose to compromise and yield their wills during a simple visit to a garden centre.
- Elma’s Story – Nothing Left To Give “My husband didn’t know how to acknowledge my feelings and show me the support I needed.”